Shark sighting closes popular San Diego beach

Mission Beach in San Diego was closed Thursday after a shark was reportedly seen in the water, officials said.

Lifeguards were searching for the shark with boats and a helicopter Thursday afternoon.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department spokesman Maurice Luque told KSWB-TV Channel 5 that an off-duty lifeguard saw the shark's dorsal fin at about 12:15 p.m. and alerted authorities.

He said it was unclear when the popular beach would reopen.

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-- Shelby Grad

Photo: Lifeguards search for a shark at Mission Beach in San Diego. Credit: KSWB-TV Channel 5